In his address to the nation, Prime Minister Narendra Modi Monday announced a centralised Covid-19 vaccine policy. “Twenty-five per cent of the vaccination work with states will now be handled by the Centre, it will be implemented in the coming two weeks. Both State and Centre will work as per new guidelines in the coming two weeks,” Modi said.

Modi said Covid-19 is the biggest epidemic to struck in the last century and the country tackled it on a war footing.

“New health infrastructure has been developed in the 1.5 years with Covid hospitals, ventilators beds, to preparing a network of testing labs. During the 2nd wave in April-May, demand for medical oxygen increased at an unprecedented rate,” Modi added.

The Prime Minister announced the central government will provide free vaccine doses for all citizens above the age of 18 after June 21 adding state governments will not have to spend money on procuring them.

The prime minister said vaccination is like a protection shield against the virus and asserted that vaccine supply would be increased significantly in India in coming days. Modi said seven companies are producing various vaccines against the coronavirus in the country and trial of three more vaccines is at an advanced stage.

Liquid medical oxygen production was increased 10 times more, says PM Modi.

Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Yojana has been extended till Diwali. 80 crore poor will be provided free ration under the scheme, says PM Modi.

Modi’s address on Monday comes at a time when India continues to fight the second wave of the pandemic and is staring at a possible third wave of infections. He has been holding review meetings with state governments and central government officials regarding the vaccination drive, testing, supply of oxygen etc.